# Expansive Soil Laws in Alabama
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A Regional Problem
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Maps issued by the United States Geological Survey show the major concentration of expansive soils to exist in Alabama's northern counties, which are served by the state Soil and Water Conservation Districts in each county. While the county supervisors are not specifically empowered to remedy problems caused by expansive soils, they do have the latitude to purchase, exchange or even gift land to conserve soil for either environmental preservation or agricultural cultivation. This authority also gives supervisors input on local zoning ordinances, where they can favor expandable soil zones for conservation and allow development on edifice-friendly soils.
Soil Classifiers
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The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee also maintains a roster of approved soil classifiers. These individuals are experts in soil chemistry, morphology, hydrology and mineralogy, having passed a rigorous examination and evaluation by the SWCC. With such knowledge, they are well-suited to advise homeowners, property managers and developers on the expandability of the soils upon which building is considered. They can also consult with architects and engineers who must design structures with expansive clays in mind.
Contractor Licensing
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General contractors in Alabama, as in most states, are required to be licensed, a requirement met in part through passing a comprehensive examination. Core subject matter includes foundations, concrete and reinforcement. Among other subjects, geotechnical considerations - soil issues - are included in the recommended preparation texts. Those authorized by the state to approve home builders, therefore, must be satisfied regarding a candidate's knowledge of how soils affect foundations.
Local Ordinances
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Many municipal building codes are modeled after the International Building Code. Yet local jurisdictions amend, supplement and revise the IBC according to their specific interests. Cities like Huntsville, Alabama, are among the units that specify criteria for foundations in their building codes. Although expansive soils are not named as a cause, the cities may reserve the right to require remediation for safety purposes if cracks and fissures are deemed as threats to structural integrity. Often the discretion is left to the building inspector.
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